2 billion adherents, largest world religion, most widespread; 3 major branches: Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox; founded upon the teachings of Jesus

roman catholic

dominant christian branch in the southwestern and eastern parts of europe; 51% of christians; Vatican city in Rome is the center of catholic religion

orthodox

dominant in the eastern and southeastern parts of europe; 11% of christians; Constantinople of Byzantine Empire is the center of Eastern Orthodox; a collection of 14 self-governing churches in Europe

protestant

dominant in northwestern europe; 24% of christians; 1517 protestant reformation led by martin luther (Henry 8th wanted to get divorced but couldn't so created protestantism)

islam

1.3 billion adherents predominantly in the middle east (indonesia, pakistan, bangladesh, and india), fastest growing religion, Muhammad is the prophet born in mecca in 570AD, holy book is the Quran

5 pillars of islam

1. there is no god but allah, muhammad is his prophet2. give prayer 5x daily3. give aid to the less fortunate through charity4. fast during the month of ramadan5. at least one pilgrimage to mecca

branches of islam

Sunni-83% of muslimsShiites-16% of muslims mainly in iran, pakistan, and iraq

buddhism

400 million adherents mainly in china and southeast asia, originated in Nepal, founded by siddhartha gautama; 3 main branches

4 noble truths

1. life is full of suffering2. desire is the cause of suffering3. cessation of suffering is achieved by quelling of desire4. overcome desire by proper conduct and meditation

hinduism

largest ethnic religion with 900 million adherents 97% of which are in India; believe it is up to the individual to decide the best way to worship God; polytheism, the caste system, reincarnation; the Ganges River is seen as a sacred place

judaism

14 million adherents, 1/3 in the US 1/3 in Israel; first recorded religion to espouse monotheism